1. The Legislative Branch An Overview of the House and the Senate

2. The Legislative Branch: Responsibilities HouseSenate 1. write, debate and pass federal bills 2. Impeach elected officials (press charges against) 1. write, debate and pass federal bills 2. Try (oversee) impeachments 3. Ratify treaties by 2/3 vote 4. Confirm presidential appointments

3. Which house of Congress might be the “upper” house and why? Post-It! & Share Record your ideas to the question on a post-it before sharing with your group

4. The Legislative Branch is… Bicameral means 2-house The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature. Our Congress is divided into 2 houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate

5. The House of Representatives— Population-Based Representation Who qualifies?  25 years old  U.S. citizens for 7 years  Must live in the state they represent Most representatives are lawyers, businessmen or are involved in local gov’t.

6. House Terms Elected for 2-year terms All terms begin and end on the same day 70-80% of representatives are re-elected No term limits on House members exist Each time a new Congress is seated (starts a 2-year term), it is given a number. We are currently in the 114 th Congress

7. How many? Based on population 435 members total Each state must have one representative Census numbers determine numbers of representatives

8. Why might it be a challenge for a representative to get his/her idea noticed? What’s the best way for a representative to get his/her ideas noticed? Post-It! & Share Record your ideas to the question on a post-it before sharing with your group

10. Congressional Districts States are divided into Congressional districts based on population. In NJ, we have 12 Congressional districts.

11. 1. Why are the districts shaped this way? 2. Does this map give you a clue about why it’s more prestigious to be a senator than a representative? Post-It! & Share Record your ideas to the question on a post-it before sharing with your group

12. The Senate—Equal Representation Who qualifies?  30 years old  U.S. citizens for 9 years  Residents of the state they represent

13. Terms  6 years  Every 2 years, 1/3 of Senators run for reelection  At all times, 2/3 of the Senate is made up of experienced members

14. How many? 100 senators 2/state Entire state votes for their senators

15. Salaries and Privileges Congress: Rank-and-File Members' Salary (Both House and Senate)  $ 174,000 per year. Congress: Leadership Members' Salary Senate Leadership Majority Leader - $ 193,400 Minority Leader - $ 193,400 House Leadership Speaker of the House - $ 223,500 Majority Leader - $ 193,400 Minority Leader - $ 193,400

16. Political Affiliation The majority party is the party to which more than half of senators and representatives belong The minority party is the other party

17. Leadership Sen. Byrd Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House: Overall leader of the House of Representatives Vice President: Leader of the Senate. Only allowed to vote as a tie-breaker. President Pro-tempore: aka, “President for the time being”: handles daily leadership of the Senate. Second highest Senator.

18. At your table group, discuss the following: 1. Person 1 speaks first:  Which house of Congress is more prestigious? Name three reasons why. 2. Person 2 speaks first:  Which house of Congress is “closer to the people”? Why might this not be true in every state? Table Discussion:  Which house of Congress would you rather be a part of? Why?

19. Other Leaders Floor leaders: each house of Congress has 2 floor leaders: a Democrat and a Republican The majority leader is from the majority party The minority leader is from the minority party The party whip assists the floor leader by tracking votes and persuading party members to vote together

20. Congressional Powers 3 Types of Congressional Power:  Inherent  Implied  Enumerated/Expressed

21. Enumerated/Expressed Powers Listed specifically in Article I  Collect taxes  Borrow money  Regulate foreign and interstate (between states) trade  Set up a postal service  Declare war  Regulate immigration

22. Implied Powers specifically Not specifically listed, but implied by the necessary and proper clause (elastic clause) Congress can stretch its power to carry out its expressed powers

23. Inherent Powers Powers which a government has ("inherits") simply because it is a government. acquire territory to deport illegal aliens to protect the nation against rebellion to restrict immigration.

24. Limits on Congressional Powers Constitutional: Congress can’t favor one state over another interfere with state rights: Congress may not make marriage and divorce laws Checks and balances Supreme Court declaring laws unconstitutional Money restrictions If money isn’t available to fund Congress’ bills, they will not pass

25. Other limits on Congress Checks and balances Supreme Court declaring laws unconstitutional Money restrictions If money isn’t available to fund Congress’ bills, they will not pass More on Congressional Powers and Limits to come!